Khan, who comes from a Muslim background, said: "I ended up going to the EDL demo because there is a history of harassment and assault of Muslims, vulnerable members of the public, and people of colour at the demos and outside of it."

She added: "I went with the intent of showing support for anyone who was assaulted or harassed by them."

During the rally, Press Association photographer Joe Giddens snapped several pictures of Khan facing off with Crossland.

Khan said the EDL leader put his finger in her face but she stood her ground because she is not easily intimidated by anyone.

"I didn't feel threatened in the slightest way," Khan said. "Though later the 25ish individuals who were circling [the woman in the blue headscarf] then came to circle me and the other individuals who had an issue with that situation."

The photo of Khan quickly went viral on social media. The Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley, Jess Phillips, praised Khan as a "real Brummy".